Discover the meaning of colors in intestinal movements to better understand your health. Get more information in this informative article.

When controlling our general wel l-being, paying attention to the color of our depositions can provide valuable data on our digestive health. The color of the feces influence various factors, such as diet, medications and certain medical conditions. Understanding the different colors and what they can indicate can help us identify possible health problems and seek adequate medical advice when necessary.

Normal stool color: in a healthy person, the color of the feces is usually brown to dark brown. This is mainly due to the presence of bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps digestion and absorption of fats. The bile contains a pigment called bilirubin, which gives feces its characteristic brown color.

Occasionally, however, our depositions can deviate from normal brown, indicating a possible underlying problem. Here are some common colors of the feces and what they could indicate:

Red: The presence of bright red blood in the feces suggests a hemorrhage in the lower digestive tract, for example by hemorrhoids or rectal fissures. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and rule out more serious conditions.

Colors of Bowel Movements

Normal colors of feces:

1. Brown: Most people have brown stool, which is considered normal and healthy color. The brown color is mainly due to the presence of bile produced by the liver and bilirubin, a pigment derived from the decomposition of red blood cells.
2. Green: Green stool can be the result of rapid transit through the digestive system. When foods go too quickly through intestines, they don’t have enough time to experience the usual color change. Green feces can also occur by the consumption of green leafy vegetables or certain food coloring.
3. Yellow: yellow feces can occur for various reasons, such as excess fat in feces, inadequate bile production or a bad absorption of fats. In infants, yellow feces are considered normal, but in adults they may indicate digestive problems.

Changes in the color of the stool should be observed and commented with a healthcare professional if they persist or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or blood in the stool.

Abnormal colors of feces:

• Black or tar: black or target feces can be an indication of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the upper digestive tract. This color change occurs due to the digestion of blood in the stomach or small intestine.
• Red: Red feces can be alarming, since they can indicate a hemorrhage in the lower digestive tract, such as the colon or the rectum. However, certain foods and medications can also cause red stool.
• Pale or gray: pale or gray stools can indicate a lack of bile in the stool, possibly due to an obstruction in bile ducts. This can be a sign of a possible liver or gallbladder problem.

What the Color of Your Stool Can Reveal About Your Health

Variations in the color of the feces

1. Black: Dark or black feces can be the result of eating certain foods such as black licorice or take iron supplements. However, excess black feces can be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as stomach.
2. Greens: See green feces can be attributed to the consumption of green leafy vegetables or food with green food dye. However, green feces can also indicate rapid transit through the digestive system, which may be related to conditions such as diarrhea.
3. Yellow: A yellow tone in the stool can be a normal variation, especially if it has recently consumed foods rich in yellow pigments, such as carrots. However, persistent yellow feces could indicate a problem with the digestion and absorption of fats.

Note: Changes in the color of feces accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting or inexplicable weight loss may require immediate medical care. Always consult a healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Other possible indications of the color of the feces

• Red: Red stool can be the result of the consumption of red or beet food coloring, but they can also indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as in the rectum or colon.
• White or clay-colored: Light-colored or clay-colored stools may indicate a lack of bile, which is essential for digesting fats. This could be a sign of a problem with your liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder.
• Orange color: Seeing orange-colored stools could be due to eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, or it could be a sign of excess bile in the stool.

Monitoring changes in stool color can be an additional tool in recognizing potential health problems. However, it is important to note that stool color alone is not a definitive diagnosis. If you notice persistent or worrying changes in the color of your stools, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate guidance.

Understanding the Different Shades of Bowel Movements

When monitoring your digestive health, taking note of the color and consistency of your stools can provide valuable information. Stools can vary in color, from brown to green, yellow, and even black. These color differences can be indicative of certain health problems or the foods we eat. Let’s explore the different shades of bowel movements and what they can mean for your well-being.

1. Brown: The most common color of stools is brown. This tone is usually the result of the breakdown of bile produced by the liver. Bile contains a pigment called bilirubin that gives stool its characteristic brown color. However, the shade of brown can vary depending on factors such as diet and the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive system. A normal, healthy bowel movement is usually within the range of light brown to dark brown.

Note: If you experience consistent changes in the color of your stools, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

2. Green: Occasionally, you may notice that your bowel movements have a greenish tint. This may occur due to the presence of bile in your stool that has not had enough time to break down and change to its usual brown color. Eating a significant amount of green leafy vegetables, food dyes or rapid transit through the digestive system can also contribute to green stools.

1. Table: Shades of stools and their possible causes

Color	Possible causes
Brown	Normal digestion, healthy diet
Green	High consumption of green vegetables, fast transit time
Yellow	Greater amounts of fat, poor absorption

3. Yellow: If your stools are yellow, it may be a sign of excessive fat content in your diet or malabsorption problems. When the body cannot properly digest or absorb fats, the stool may be yellow. Diseases such as celiac disease, gallbladder problems or pancreatic disorders can cause poor absorption and cause changes in the color of stools.

The Significance of Green Stool

One possible reason for green stools is the rapid transit of stool through the intestines. This can occur when food passes through the digestive system too quickly, without giving the bile enough time to completely break it down. As a result, stool may appear green. Rapid transit can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a high-fiber diet, certain medications, or gastrointestinal infections. In most cases, the green color resolves on its own once the underlying cause is addressed.

Important information:

• Rapid stool passage can cause green stools.
• Causes of rapid transit can be a high-fiber diet, medications, and infections.

Another possible cause of green stools is the consumption of green foods. Foods like spinach, kale, and leafy greens contain chlorophyll, a pigment that can turn stool green. Similarly, artificial food dyes often found in drinks and candy can also cause green stools.

Causes and Remedies for Yellow Stool

The color of stool can provide valuable information about a person’s digestive health. Although a range of colors may be considered normal, seeing yellow stools is often a cause for concern. Yellow stools, also known as pale or clay-colored, can be due to a variety of reasons, from benign dietary factors to underlying medical conditions.

One of the common causes of yellow stools is an inadequate amount of bile reaching the intestine. Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, gives stool its characteristic brown color. When there is reduced production or blocked flow of bile, the stool may appear yellow. This may be indicative of liver disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones that block the bile ducts.

• Insufficient bile production or obstruction of bile flow
• Liver disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones
• Infection or inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis
• Malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

1. Avoid fatty foods that can worsen the disease.
2. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
3. Consume a balanced diet rich in fiber to favor healthy digestion.
4. Consider including probiotics in your diet to restore the balance of intestinal bacteria.

IMPORTANT: If yellow feces are accompanied by persistent abdominal pain, fever or any other worrying symptom, it is crucial to look for medical attention quickly. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and provide adequate treatment.

Red Stool: When to Be Concerned

Possible causes of red feces

• Red food consumption: foods such as beets, tomatoes or red gelatin desserts can give stool a reddish tone temporarily. This should be resolved by itself.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as iron supplements or antacids containing bismuth subsalicylate, can also cause temporary red spots on stool. It may be necessary to interrupt the administration of these medications or consult a healthcare professional over other alternatives.
• Hemorrhoids or anal fissures: These conditions can cause bleeding during defecation, with the consequent redness of the feces. However, the blood is usually bright red and is seen in the toilet paper or in the cup.
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage: Red feces can be an indication of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which can be caused by various conditions, from ulcers to colorectal cancer. If the red color persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or fatigue, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

It is important to keep in mind that, although sometimes red feces can be the result of harmless factors, it is essential not to rule out persistent or inexplicable changes in the color of the stool. It is advisable to consult a health professional to determine the cause and receive the proper treatment if necessary.

Black Stool: Potential Causes and Treatment Options

Possible causes of black feces

1. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage: One of the most common causes of black feces is gastrointestinal bleeding. This can occur due to ulcers, gastritis or the presence of esophageal varicose veins. The dark color of the feces arises from the digestion and decomposition of the blood as it travels through the digestive system.
2. Medications and supplements: certain medications and supplements can also cause the appearance of black feces. Iron supplements, for example, that are usually prescribed to treat ferropenic anemia, can cause feces to appear black.
3. Foods and drinks: Consumption of certain foods and drinks can temporarily darken the color of your stool. Black licorice, blueberries, and beets are known to have this effect. Eating large amounts of these foods can cause black stools without any underlying health problems.

It is important to note that black stools should not be ignored as they may be an indication of possible gastrointestinal problems. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Treatment options for black stools

• Medical intervention: In cases where black stools are caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, medical intervention may be necessary. Treatment options may include endoscopic procedures to identify and treat the source of bleeding, medication to reduce heartburn, or surgery in more severe cases.
• Adjusting Medication or Supplements: If black stools are a side effect of certain medications or supplements, it may be possible to address the problem by adjusting the dosage or switching to an alternative medication or supplement. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes.
• Dietary modifications: If the cause of black stools is determined to be certain foods or drinks, making dietary modifications can help alleviate the problem. Limiting your consumption of foods known to darken your stool can help restore a more normal color.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate treatment and address any underlying health issues that may be associated with black stools.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont